Messages of Solidarity for Gangjeong
The Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong received 45 messages of solidarity from around the world (one of them from me). All of them were translated into Korean so that the marchers could see the support and encouragement they were receiving from far off places such as Germany, Palestine, Ireland, India and even East Timor. Some of the messages are pasted below:
**********************************
Taro Abe, Nagoya, Japan
皆さんの活動に心から敬意を表します。
「済州島平和の巡礼:カンジョンの平和のための大行進」
阿部太郎(名古屋市・日å本)
여러분의 활동에 진심으로 경의를 나타냅니다.
"제주도 평화 순례 : 강정의 평화를위한 대행진 '의 성공을 기원합니다.
아베 타로 (나고야 · 일본)
I sincerely express my respect to your struggle.
I pray for the success of the 'Jeju Island Peace Pilgrim: Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong.'
Abe Taro (Nagoya, Japan)
…………………………………………………………………………..
Elliott Adams, Past President, Veterans For Peace, USA
I served in the Republic Of Korea as part of the US Army, I have been to Jeju. The destruction of Gangeong is nothing short of a crime, and a crime that is being perpetrated for short term military advantage and monetary profit for a few. The beauty and biodiversity of Jeju of value to the entire world, yet the choice to put this base on this particular piece of land will cause environmental damage that can never be replaced or reclaimed and it will poison the peace around the China Sea. We people from around the would must join together to stop this.
Elliott Adams
Past President, Veterans For Peace
Sharon Springs, NY, USA
…………………………………………………………………………..
Christine Ahn, Foreign Policy In Focus, USA
My dearest marchers for peace, justice and the environment.
Thank you for your tireless efforts to protect this sacred village.
Even though i am far away in San Francisco, I
devote time every day to work in solidarity with all of you. In fact, because I have been so inspired by your
courage and deep convictions, I decided to name my daughter jeju, the island of
peace and women. Please know we
stand by you, march with you, and will fight with you til the very end. Ggut
gajee! Toojeng!
…………………………………………………………………………..
Rev. Hartmut Albruschat, Berlin,
Germany
Dear Friends in
South-Korea,,,
Many , many
people in Germany know about your fight against the Building of a war-harbour.
We show you our solidarity in this protest and hope that the international
protest can help to stop the unjust building. We pray for you campaigne. God´s
blessing to your protest!
In the name of
the German Eastasia Mission (DOAM) with friends in EMS and in the Church of
Berlin (BMW)
Yours in Christ
Rev. Hartmut Albruschat
BERLIN, Germany
BERLIN, Germany
…………………………………………………………………………..
Merci Llarinas Angeles, Convener, Peace Women Partners-Philippines
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY TO THE GRAND MARCH FOR THE PEACE
OF GANGJEONG
We the members of the
Peace Women Partners, from Mindanao and
the Philippines
know from experience that we can never have peace and security
with American
military presence which threatens our country with instability
and war. While we have ejected the two US military bases in 1992, the Americans
have come back through the Visiting Forces Agreement that allows US troops and possibly
nuclear-armed ships to
enter our territory. 600 American Special Operations Forces are permanently based
in Zamboanga City,
Southern Philippines.
American military
presence serves as an anchor to military and political intervention
in the
affairs of the “host” country.
We are one in
solidarity with the women and the people
of Gangjeong village in Jeju
island, as you resist construction of
an American naval base in your Paradise Island.
We call
on all peace-loving citizens of the world to support your Grand March for Peace
!
Peace Women Partners-Philippines
…………………………………………………………………………..
Denis Apel, USA
In February of 2012 I visited Jeju, the "Island of
Peace." What I found was a place of incredible natural beauty and
a people dedicated to both peace and a sacred relationship with the land which
is the source of that peace. The people of Gangjeong Village and
their land are under assault from forces in this world which have a disdain for
the beauty and sanctity of the land and a dismissal of the humanity of the
people who are in right relationship with that land. I support t all who resist the
construction of the Naval Base at Gangjeong Village. It is an abomination.
Denis Apel
…………………………………………………………………………..
Antony Arulraj, New Delhi, India
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings!
I am deeply concerned over the coastal blasting that began in March 2012
despite continuous protests from local Gangjeong residents and over the beginning
of construction of a huge new military base In the traumatized Gangjeong Village.
I am painfully aware that the coastal blasting and the subsequent construction of
a new military base is against nature, against humanity and against democracy
On the other hand, I am encouraged to know that a Grand March for the Peace of
Gangjeong throughout Jeju Island will be starting on July 30 and that on August 4,
the last day of the programme, people will meet in Jeju City and demonstrate their
will
and resolve to stop the Jeju Naval Base Project. I wish and pray that
this nationwide event sees the participation of more than 10,000
activists. Would that I were there
with you!
However, I am writing to assure you of my solidarity with all the protestors and
of my support for the cause you have espoused.
May your noble, nonviolent struggle to recognize Jeju as a true Peace Island be
successful!
In solidarity,
Antony
Antony Arulraj
Advocacy Officer, Hotline Delhi,
JPD Commission, CBCI Centre,
New Delhi, India
Advocacy Officer, Hotline Delhi,
JPD Commission, CBCI Centre,
New Delhi, India
…………………………………………………………………………..
The people of Guam stand in solidarity with the people of Gangjeong Village and
their allies who will be participating in the Grand March for Peace. Guam is known
as "the tip of the spear" by the United States Military, it is important that we all
support the people of Gangjeong who want to protect the reputation of Jeju as an
"island of peace." The people of Gangjeong are not only fighting for their own
environment and their own sustainability, but for the rights of every place around the world that might wish to pursue peaceful and sustainable means of living and not participate
in systems of war and aggression. Biba i taotao Gangjeong!Biba i taotao Guahan!
Biba i taotao pas!
The translation for the last three sentences is as follows:
people of peace!
…………………………………………………………………………..
Fr. Pat Cunningham, Ireland
A
short reflection on the Anniversary of the Armistice agreement as the
campaign prepares to launch it's Gangjeong Grand March for Peace!
'The real and lasting victories are those of peace, and not of war.'
Buddha. Sadly preparations underway by the Korean navy in Jeju smack eerily of preparations not for peace on the 'island of peace' but of preparations for war!!
Buddha. Sadly preparations underway by the Korean navy in Jeju smack eerily of preparations not for peace on the 'island of peace' but of preparations for war!!
Today 27th July marks the 59th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement which stopped the fighting in 1953, and has yet to be replaced by a permanent settlement! The lack of a permanent settlement is a fundamental source of insecurity for both Koreas (the unresolved state of war) and the construction of a naval base on Jeju island and the increasing miitary build up in the region only intensifies a state of heightened insecurity for the people of Gangjeong, the people of the island of Jeju and the whole country! The construction of the naval base is having a devastating effect on the local community with huge consequences for future peace and stability for the people of Jeju and the entire region! The environmental consequences which have been well documented and are sadly becoming clearly evident are unfortunately lost on or conveniently ignored by the Interantional Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the organizers of the World Conservation Congress (WCC) whose conference this year will be ironically held only 7 km's away from the destruction site! One of the main sponsors of the conference is Samsung which happens to be the lead construction company involved in the 'destruction'! The construction of the naval base and the present land grab being conducted by the navy to provide future accomodation for its personnel and is clearly part of an overall US military strategy of encircling and containment of China and it's growing economic power!
Beginning on Monday July 30 there will be a 'grand march for peace' in Jeju where up to 10,000 people will walk in solidariy with the villagers and peace activists who have struggled against the Navy's plans to build this base for the last 5 years! Today on the anniversary of the Armistice the Campaign to stop the base will have the Official Seoul launch of the grand march by hosting an event here in Jongkak, Seoul!
Please keep the participants of the 'grand march for peace' in your thoughts and prayers next week! Afterall 'the real and lasting victories are those of peace and not of war'.
Kristin Douglas, Oahu, Hawaii
Living in Hawaii has given me a first hand experience in how the US military claims, abuses, and ruins land and natural resources. And it does so at the expense of local culture, customs, agriculture, and marine life, The struggle to stop military expansion in Hawaii is ongoing. We stand in solidarity with the brave and principled struggle taking place in Gangjeong to stop the destruction being caused by the construction of the massive naval base that is ruining their coastline, village, way of life and natural resources. It is being built against their consent or will. This is not just a local struggle. It is a global concern as destruction of land, natural resources and marine eco structures is threatening the very existance of our planet. Military bases protect only the interests of those who build them. They do not make the world a safer place.
In solidarity,
Kristin Douglas
Hawaii Peace and Justice
Oahu, Hawaii
…………………………………………………………………………..
Jean Downey (On behalf of Ten Thousand Things peace blog, Japan: (Jean Downey, Kim Hughes, & Jen Teeter)
We continue to stand with and pray for all in struggle to save Gangjeong village and
the
beautiful Gangjeong coast. It is a tragedy that the Lee administration
and the corporations that wield so much power over his government do
not realize that the
tangerine
farms, soft coral habitat & Gureombi are the precious treasures of
Jeju Island. They are blind. But you see what is real and what is
important: life. We pray for divine presence with all of you always. You
all have our deepest respect and love.
With prayers,
Jean
With prayers,
Jean
Bruce K. Gagnon, GN, Maine, USA
We in the Global Network wish we could be there
with you during the peace pilgrimage. Your hard work to reach out to more
people is so important and we stand with you. We continue to follow every
step you take in your resistance to the Navy base in Gangjeong. Each day
the picture becomes clearer that the Navy wants more land - in truth they will
want nearly the entire village before they are finished. We pledge
to continue to promote your opposition to the Navy base in every way we can.
More and more people in the US and around the world are learning about the
dangerous and destructive plan to build the base. Stay strong and
keep building the resistance. Peace and protecting nature must come
before anything else. This fight should become everyone's fight
the Global Network against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space
…………………………………………………………………………..
Ernest Goitein, Claire Feder
Our family is very much aware of the struggle by Jenju islanders. We support the resistance to the building of the navy base and the unnecessary destruction of irreplaceable coral reefs. It is time to stop the military from playing with their war toys, bankrupting our country and destroying the environment. We wish we could join you for the march. Keep up the resistance. We are many, they are few.
In Peace, Ernest Goitein, Claire Feder
…………………………………………………………………………..
Holly Graham, USA
signed,
Holly Graham, USA
…………………………………………………………………………..
Abid Habib
These military bases have been a neusence for all countries and their very existance shows
that they are not friendly with the people, and also with the environment. Consequently
they are enemies to peace. I therefore support this movement and will ask my network
to support it too.
Abid Habib
…………………………………………………………………………..
Kimberly Huges
As an activist for peace from the United States living in Japan, I have watched the
events unfolding on Jeju Island with complex feelings of anger and dread due to
its ongoing militarization, combined with deep respect for the tireless ways that
local and international activists have bonded together in love and solidarity to
protect all forms of life from this destruction.
I continue to add my voice to their struggle calling for the immediate end to military construction, and the preservation of the spirit belonging to this great Island of Peace.
Warmly,
Kimberly Hughes
Peace Not War Japan
…………………………………………………………………………..
Michael Jacobsen, Veterans For Peace, U.S.A.
Letter of support:
As
a representative of Veterans For Peace, U.S.A., I visited Gangjeong
Village in early 2012 and conclude: Jeju Island is a gem that must be
passed on to our children’s children’s children for 7 generations and
beyond. There is little economic gain to Jeju. Benefits go to Samsung,
Daewoo, Hyundai, Hanjin, Hanwha and etc. The base is poorly located as a
defense against North Korea. Jeju is The Island of World Peace - not
the Island of World War. Koreans butchered Jeju Koreans in the 3rd of
April massacre and is fresh on many residents minds. STOP THE BASE!
…………………………………………………………………………..
Kyle Kajihiro, program director for the American Friends Service Committee in Hawaii
See the video at:
https://vimeo.com/46166902/
Aloha to our brothers and sisters in Jeju. My name is Kyle Kajihiro and I send solidarity and greetings from the Island of Oahu, Hawai'i. We wish you success in your struggle so that you can preserve your Island as a place of peace for the whole world. And that doesn’t become a place of war like our Island has become. We hope you can prevent this from happening. Across the harbor you can see the eye ball, of a monstrous octopus that occupies our Island and has tentacles grabbing at Korea, Guam and Okinawa. That’s the eye of the sea-based X-band radar which will possibly come to your Island or ships like it if the naval base is built. And also the contamination that will come and destroy what is such an abundant food source. Ke Awa Lau o Pu’uloa what we call Pear Harbor now, used to be food basket of Oahu. Here you can see just fossil remains of a pearl oyster shells that has disappeared and been replaced by that. And also the waters that used to be so clean have been contaminated. They turned the food basket of Oahu into toxic Superfund. We thank you for your struggle to protect your Island of Peace because that will be a gift for the whole world. And we stand with you so that this does not happen to your beautiful Island and so that war does not come to your area. Militarization has just brought war and contamination to our shores and the loss of sovereignty for people. So we send you our prayers, solidarity and to be successful in your fight. Aloha.
…………………………………………………………………………..
As one of the Okinawan islanders, I am sending a message of solidarity
to the Peace Pilgrims in Jeju.
Jeju and Okinawa share similar histories and experiences of struggle
against military power. We also share a strong will to keep our islands
peaceful and to conserve nature for the entire world. Okinawa knows how
hard the Ganjeong people have been fighting to protect the Gureombi
rocks as symbols of life and spirituality. Jeju understands how hard the
people of Okinawa have been fighting to conserve nature and to seek
justice in Henoko, Takae, and Futenma. We have been empowered by
learning from each other’s struggles.
In this Grand March, I believe, every step you take for peace will
encourage us and every voice you raise for justice will inspire us.
Courage is contagious. I wish your Grand March a success.
Masami Kawamura
Okinawa Outreach
沖縄の島に住む者の1人として、済州島の平和の巡礼者たちに 連帯のメッセー
ジを送ります。
済州島と沖縄は軍事力に抗する闘いの歴史と経験を共有しています
ちは私たちの島を平和な島とする、そして全世界のために自然を守 るという強
い意思も共有しています。
としてのグロンビ岩を守るためにどんなに懸命に闘って きたかを知っている
し、済州島の人々は、沖縄の人が、辺野古で高江で普天間で、
を求めるために懸命に闘ってきたことを理解し ています。私たちは、お互いの
闘いを学びあうことによって、力づけられてきました。
このグランドマーチで、
義のためにあげるひとつひとつの声が私たちにインスピレーション を与えてく
れるのだ、と思っています。
勇気はうつり、拡がるもの。
河村 雅美
Okinawa Outreach
………………………………………………………………………….
Ariel Ky, USA
I stand in solidarity with the resistance movement of the Gangjeong villagers in stopping construction of a military base on Jeju Island. You are my heroes and role models. Your valiant campaign to keep Jeju a peace island continue to inspire me in resistance to U.S. militarism. I send you blessings, thanks, and love.
…………………………………………………………………………..
Ramsay Liem, Professor of Boston College, MA. USA
The
determination and courage of Gangjeong villagers and their supporters
is inspiring. Rarely has the world witnessed such an unending struggle
for social, political, and environmental justice in the face of harsh
and oppressive forces. Many of us who cannot be with you today send our
best wishes, solidarity and admiration. We will continue to follow your
struggle and support it however we can. Ramsay Liem
Ramsay Liem
Professor Emeritus of Psychology and
Visiting Scholar, Center for Human Rights and International Justice
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Professor Emeritus of Psychology and
Visiting Scholar, Center for Human Rights and International Justice
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
…………………………………………………………………………..
Renie Wong Lindley, Hawai'i Peace and Justice
Hawai'i Peace and Justice stands in solidarity with your courageous actions to resist the construction of a naval base on Jeju.
We
call on all nations to look at the economic, ecological and cultural
destruction that is being done to an island of peace, all in the name of
war-making and war-profiteering.
The
villagers have fought daily since 2007. There are many who have been
taken prisoner, including prisoners of conscience Dr. Song Kang-Ho, Mr.
Kim Bok Chui and Mr. Kim Dong Won.
It is our moral duty to call for their release and to call for an end to this destruction.
Sincerely,
Renie Wong Lindley, Executive Director. Hawai'i Peace and Justice
…………………………………………………………………………..
Tamara Lorincz, Halifax, CANADA
My family from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada supports the people of Jeju
Island and opposes the construction of a naval base there. We call upon the
Government of Korea to stop the building of the naval base on the island of
peace. We also ask that the Government immediately release the conscientious
prisoners who are detained for their non-violent civil disobedience against
the base.
In solidarity for peace,
Tamara Lorincz
Island and opposes the construction of a naval base there. We call upon the
Government of Korea to stop the building of the naval base on the island of
peace. We also ask that the Government immediately release the conscientious
prisoners who are detained for their non-violent civil disobedience against
the base.
In solidarity for peace,
Tamara Lorincz
…………………………………………………………………………..
Cora Ma, Taiwan
Dear People of Jeju Island and all of you joining the "Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong”
How
I wish it were possible for me to join your march for peace to protest
against the plan to build a naval base in Jeju Island... I have been to
Jeju Island 3 times and I recall the beauty of your island: the
traditonal villages and their crafts and lifestyle, the shore line and
the soft coral reefs and the many thriving species that can all be lost
with the construction of the naval base. I too believe that the naval
base is going to be a crime against humanity and nature. I too join you
in declaring that this act is against democracy since more than 90%
of Ganggjeong people voted against it. From here in Taiwan, I join with
my prayers and best wishes for you all. May God bless your efforts and
listen to your plea to protect the people and nature of your beautiful
Island and allow you to be truly an "Island of Peace" as was declared
before.
In solidarity,
Cora Ma
…………………………………………………………………………..
Natasha Mayers, Whitefield, Maine USA
We wish we could join you for the march. Keep up the resistance. We are many, they are few.
…………………………………………………………………………..
Nicholas Mele, Pax Christi USA National Council
Pax
Christi USA, Pax Christi International, and all peace-loving American
Catholics stand with you all in spirit and prayer for success in our
efforts to resist the militarization of Cheju-do, the Island of Peace!
Sincerely,
Nicholas Mele
Secretary
Pax Christi USA National Council
Sincerely,
Nicholas Mele
Secretary
Pax Christi USA National Council
…………………………………………………………………………..
Benjamin Monnet, France
When you will see this message you will be marching.
Marching around Jeju island to celebrate and protect its Beauty.
To protect Jeju against the curse (woe) that will affect the individuals
who are preparing a war.
(silence)
Already too much gunpowder has poisoned our Earth.
Too many houses were burnt.
Too many children have witnessed humiliating horror.
Too many women were raped.
(silence)
Do you wish for Asia to grow wisely with its people admiring Jeju island
as the Noble Mountain of Peace?...
Then stand up and shine for your future dignity.
Your inspiration, your courage and perseverance will pervade the hearts of
those who are building Harmony on Earth.
May your thoughts be luminous.
May your words be keen.
May your actions be heavy.
(silence)
Enlight the uncousciousness of contractors, politicians and navy slaves.
Destroy this infamous nuclear base with its machines.
(silence)
With Courage, Clearsight and Love.
Benjali
…………………………………………………………………………..
Pax Christi International (thru Fr. Paul Lansu)
Pax Christi International wishes to express our solidarity with the people of
Jeju Island and our support for the Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong. Our
members around the world are grateful for your courageous efforts to draw
attention to and to stop the human and ecological disaster now unfolding. Thank
you.
(Fwd by Terence AG P Osorio)
…………………………………………………………………………..
Koohan Paik, Kauai, Hawai'i
For
centuries, Gangjeong’s fishing and farming traditions have sustained
local resources so that its ecosystems are still some of the richest on
the planet. In this way, Gangjeong’s traditions hold the key to human
security. It is inconceivable to place a 20-warship Navy base at
Gangjeong village. The base will kill coral ecosystems, coastal habitats
and contaminate drinking water and soil. The base will wipe Gangjeong
off the map. The government claims that the base will provide
“security.” Only a devil would call that “security.” No wonder the
villagers are risking their lives to save their ancestral village. Right
and wrong have never been more clear.
…………………………………………………………………………..
Rev. Seungbae Joseph Paik, The chairperson of P.A.K.R., USA
O, Champions of Justice,
Let us unite together for the victory!
O, Champions of Justice,
Your cry of protest
is the voice of truth
for cooperating with the Creator
to preserve the order of creation
to keep Nature as Nature
Your footstep of resistance is
the step of Justice
for keeping the land and people’s pride
from the invasion of the devils.
Let your cry of truth and
your footsteps of justice
shine brightly forever more
to secure the land of Creator.
O, the disciples of peace,
until the day of victory
with hand in hand together
Let us go to Jeju.
Let us go to Gangjeong
Let Jeju be Jeju!
Let Nature be Nature!
Rev. Seungbae Joseph Paik
The chairperson of P.A.K.R., USA
Let us unite together for the victory!
O, Champions of Justice,
Your cry of protest
is the voice of truth
for cooperating with the Creator
to preserve the order of creation
to keep Nature as Nature
Your footstep of resistance is
the step of Justice
for keeping the land and people’s pride
from the invasion of the devils.
Let your cry of truth and
your footsteps of justice
shine brightly forever more
to secure the land of Creator.
O, the disciples of peace,
until the day of victory
with hand in hand together
Let us go to Jeju.
Let us go to Gangjeong
Let Jeju be Jeju!
Let Nature be Nature!
Rev. Seungbae Joseph Paik
The chairperson of P.A.K.R., USA
정의의 투사들이여
우리 단결 승리하자
그대들의 항거의 외침은
조물주의 창조질서를
자연 그대로 살리려는
진리의 외침이요
그대들의 저항의 발걸음은
우리 강토와 민족의 긍지를
악귀들의 침노에서 지키려는
정의의 발걸음 이외다.
진리의 외침과
정의의 발걸음이
반만년 역사에
찬란희 빛나도록
조국을 지킵시다.
우리 모두 다함께
제주를 제주답게!
자연을 자연답게!
승리의 그날까지
가자 제주로.
조물주의 창조질서를
자연 그대로 살리려는
진리의 외침이요
그대들의 저항의 발걸음은
우리 강토와 민족의 긍지를
악귀들의 침노에서 지키려는
정의의 발걸음 이외다.
진리의 외침과
정의의 발걸음이
반만년 역사에
찬란희 빛나도록
조국을 지킵시다.
우리 모두 다함께
제주를 제주답게!
자연을 자연답게!
승리의 그날까지
가자 제주로.
성배 조세프 백 목사님,
미국 P.K.A.R. 의장
…………………………………………………………………………..
Lindis Percy and Laila Packer, CAAB, UK
Dear friends
We
wish we could be with you – step by step – on the March. That is not
possible but what is possible is that we will be with you in spirit
every step of the way.
You
are all such courageous people – we follow your situation. We hope and
pray that your amazing and tortuous struggle will bring sense to those
who choose to obey orders, choose the violent ways to settle conflicts
and choose to dominate the world with deadly weapons and choose to
destroy the beautiful natural environment.
So we send greetings and solidarity to you all – from a long way away – love and gentle hugs to you all.
In peace
Lindis Percy and Laila Packer
Joint Coordinators
CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES – CAAB
.........................................................................
J.Narayana Rao, Nagpur, India
Statement of support in favor of the struggle of the people of Jeju Island against the construction of Naval Base.
The struggle of the People of Gangjeong village in the Jeju Island is not only for them
self and it is for all the peace loving loving people of Asia against the imperialist manipulations of the NATO Countries headed by the United States of America taking advantage of the subservient Governments like South Korea. This action of the South
Korean
Government in construction of a Naval Base is against the spirit of the
Millennium Declaration of the United Nations and the UNESCO
declaration.I will organize solidarity actions in support of the people of the people of Gangjeong Village of the Jeju Island.
J.Narayana Rao.
Director, Global Network Against Weapons And Nuclear Power in Space
Director, Global Network Against Weapons And Nuclear Power in Space
Nagpur, India
…………………………………………………………………………..
Makiko Sato, Japan
Lasting
peace on the Korean Peninsula has been long wished for in the world,
and I believe Gangjeong struggles lead you right to the direction. Any
bilateral security treaty with the U.S. exists only for the benefit of
the U.S., sometimes even betraying its partners' due anticipation, like when Kissinger suddenly visited China in 1971 without telling Tokyo anything beforehand. Please don't be deceived. Prior
to the latest NK rocket launch, the U.S. had told Tokyo that
the U.S.missile defense system in East Asia was not for protecting
Japan against NK missile launches. Likewise, South Korea would not be protected. Only peaceful dialogue will bring peace.
Makiko Sato, Japan
…………………………………………………………………………..
Wolfgang Schlupp-Hauck, Mutlangen, Germany
Greetings of solidarity from Mutlangen in
Germany. In the eighties we had the deployment of the nuclear Pershing II -
missiles right in front of our doors. Our campaign of civil disobedience was
successfull. With the INF-treaty Mutlangen got nuclear free. Today we look with
great respect to your campaign against the base. We need no arms to threaten
and kill, we need arms to hug. We wish you great and strong hearts, great to
love and strong to fight for peace. Even if on some steps you will have
disadvantages, do not loose your hope and go on - one day you will succeed.
With peace and love
Wolfgang Schlupp-Hauck, Chairman of Friedenswerkstatt Mutlangen
…………………………………………………………………………..
Dorothea Schweizer, Germany
Dear friends in Gangjeong,
In
a few days you are going to start the grand march for peace on Jeju
Island. I send you greetings of deep solidarity and concern. Though
Germany is far away I watched the developments in Gangjeong as close as
possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you always and specially with
the people that were put into prison because of their struggle for
peace and justice. I will remember you in my prayers particularly during
the whole time of the grand march. May God bless you with strength and
courage and protect you day by day.
During
the Seventies and Eighties I served as ecumenical co-worker with the
PROK. Since then my concern and love for the people and friends in
Korea has never ended.
I fully appreciate your devotion and courage!
Yours in solidarity,
Rev. Dorothea Schweizer
…………………………………………………………………………..
Gloria Steinem, writer and Feminist organizer, NY, USA
I send support and
gratitude to all who are marching, speaking, organizing and working in whatever
way they can to save Jeju Island from the irreparable destruction of a naval
base on its fragile shores.
I have visited
twice. Like everyone who has seen or even heard about Jeju Island, I know that
it is a unique global treasure in every way, from its coral reefs and fields of
orchids to its history as a symbol of ancient culture, freedom and peace,
I believe that our
unity across the globe can bring safety and an endless future to Jeju Island. I
know that we will count our efforts as one of the most important things we have
done in our lives.
Gloria Steinem
Writer and
feminist organizer
New York City
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